Book now for education day to help recruit volunteers to successful psychology project

Local people interested in becoming psychology volunteers have an opportunity to find out more about the Trust’s Engage volunteer programme at a special recruitment and education day at Salisbury District Hospital on Tuesday, 9 February 2016 between 10am and 1.30pm.

As part of the programme volunteers provide additional stimulation and interaction for older people in hospital through memory puzzles, discussion groups and reading. Since it started in 2011, the team has expanded their award-winning Stars Appeal funded programme and is now looking for more volunteers to help provide social stimulation for older people across most hospital wards.

During the recruitment and education day there will be talks from the Salisbury team on the psychological problems that some patients experience while in hospital and an opportunity to talk to existing volunteers about Engage and the positive impact that this has on patients.

Salisbury District Hospital psychology co-ordinator, Antoinette Broomfield, said: “Older people often lose independence and self confidence when admitted to hospital, which can lead to short or long term psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Stimulation and social interaction can help alleviate some of the problems that older people could face when they leave familiar surroundings to come into hospital and provide a more interesting and therapeutic environment for them.”

Ms Broomfield added: “We want to attract volunteers who are committed to our patients and who can make a difference during a difficult time in their lives. Our volunteers have found the work rewarding and enjoyable and we’ve had excellent feedback from patients and relatives. Volunteers need to have an interest in psychology through formal or informal learning.”

Anyone interested in becoming a psychology volunteer can come along to the Recruitment and Education Day. Please contact Antoinette Broomfield on 01722 425105 or email her at engage@salisbury.nhs.uk to book a place.